One Bread, One Body

CHEERFUL FORGIVER

"That is why the reign of God may be said to be like a king who decided to settle accounts with his officials." —Matthew 18:23

When Jesus taught us to pray, He told us to ask for forgiveness as we forgive others (Mt 6:12). We should not only forgive, but forgive one another graciously as we wish our Father to forgive us. God wants us to forgive from our hearts (Mt 18:35), not grudgingly, but as both a cheerful giver and forgiver (2 Cor 9:7). He calls us to forgive even before the other person apologizes, to give pardon before, to "be fore-giving."

Our Father reaffirms His love for us when He forgives us. He calls us to do the same. "I therefore beg you to reaffirm your love for Him" (2 Cor 2:8). He embraces and kisses us (Lk 15:20). He puts the finest robes on us, rings on our fingers, and shoes on our feet (Lk 15:22).

Our Father forgives us in style. He forgives so graciously we even feel like forgiving ourselves. He even makes excuses for us: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). He forgives us and tries to make us feel forgiven. That's our Father and how He wants to forgive us, as we forgive one another.

Prayer: Father, may I forgive everyone in grand style, as You do, and be forgiven accordingly.

Promise: "So let our sacrifice be in Your presence today as we follow You unreservedly; for those that trust in You cannot be put to shame." —Dn 3:40

Praise: St. Patrick gave the true freedom of faith to his captors, the very ones who took away his own freedom.

(You may wish to order our tapes to help you pray: Praying the Our Father on audio AV 67-3 or video V-67, Daily Prayers on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62, Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59, Married Couples Praying Together,AV 116-1 or V-116.)

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009.†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.